an indication of a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a sign or clue that there is an issue. For example, "The dip in sales revenue was an indication of a problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Is it an indication of a problem, or does it signify a good soil?

Cornell University

The crew told mission control they felt weightless, an indication of a problem during that stage of the flight.

The Guardian

Again, see number 4 and ask whether the institution is rewarding the often accommodating "usual suspects". Again, this may be an indication of a problem with institutionalized racism.

HuffPost

But the lack of action and finger pointing we are seeing around the testing issue (while testing still is not done) is an indication of a problem we are trying to solve by calling for federal court supervision moving forward.

Huffington Post

"Just like how the average resting body temperature is 98.6, but many people exist on a bell curve around that". Since sweating is a normal, physiological response to exercise, chances are that sweating during exercise -- even if you are sweating more profusely than your neighbors on the treadmill -- is not an indication of a problem.

HuffPost

Normally a VIF of above 3 is an indication of a problem resulting from stronger collinearity.

Fisheries Oceanography

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But she comes up only with the easygoing boy who teased her about the no-chewing-gum rule, "never missed an assignment or got a bad grade" and never gave any indication of a problem at home.

The New York Times

Isolated incidents of erectile problems are not uncommon and are not necessarily an indication of a larger problem.

WikiHow

The widening of the annual deficit was more a reflection of the strength of the American economy than an indication of a fundamental problem.

The New York Times

Conversely, absence of a close relationship between these components and the Purpose may be an indication of a coherence problem.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

In our view, absence of relationship between these components can said to be an indication of a coherence problem.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indication of a problem", ensure that the context clearly identifies what the "problem" is, or is likely to be. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an indication of a problem" as a vague placeholder. Always strive to be specific about what the problem is or might be. For example, instead of saying "The company's financial reports are an indication of a problem", specify: "The company's declining revenue is an indication of a problem with its sales strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indication of a problem" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a potential issue or difficulty. It's commonly used to signal that there is evidence suggesting something is not right, though the exact nature of the problem may not be fully known. This is supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indication of a problem" serves as a verbal flag, signaling a potential issue that needs attention. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it's a grammatically sound phrase used across various contexts, from formal scientific reports to news articles and even wikis. While it's not the most frequent phrase, it's certainly understandable and valuable. The key takeaway is to ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the problem whenever possible. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, particularly when referring to a sign or clue that there's an issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign of trouble

Replaces "indication" with "sign" and "problem" with "trouble", offering a more informal tone.

a warning sign

Highlights the cautionary aspect of the phrase, suggesting impending difficulties.

a red flag

Uses idiomatic language to denote a signal of danger or concern.

a cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the feeling of worry that the indication provokes.

evidence of difficulty

Replaces "indication" with "evidence" and "problem" with "difficulty", providing a more formal alternative.

a symptom of an issue

Uses "symptom" to suggest that the problem is part of a larger, underlying condition.

a hint of a challenge

Emphasizes the subtle nature of the indication, portraying the problem as a challenge.

a clue to a difficulty

Presents the indication as a piece of information that can help solve a puzzle.

a precursor to complications

Suggests that the indication is a signal that future problems will arise.

an omen of adversity

Uses more dramatic language to portray the indication as a sign of impending misfortune.

FAQs

How can I use "an indication of a problem" in a sentence?

Use "an indication of a problem" to point out something that suggests an issue. For instance, "The frequent system crashes are "an indication of a problem" with the server's hardware".

What are some alternatives to "an indication of a problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a sign of trouble", "a warning sign", or "a cause for concern".

Is it better to be specific about the problem instead of just saying "an indication of a problem"?

Yes, being specific is generally better. While "an indication of a problem" can be useful, providing details about the issue makes your writing more informative and actionable.

When is it appropriate to use "an indication of a problem"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that something suggests an underlying issue, but you may not have all the details yet. It's a good starting point for further investigation or discussion.